The Social Science Department provides an introduction to the study of social and political organizations. In lower-division courses, students are exposed to fundamental knowledge concerning the development and operation of societies and cultures, from the broad view of history to the formation of individual values. At the highest level of study, students construct individualized research and applied skills development. The core disciplines include history, sociology, and political science. The curriculum is integral to the General University Requirements (GUCRs). In relation to the degree programs at Heritage, the Social Science curriculum promotes context — a framework for developing the specialized knowledge and skills that lead to criminal justice (law enforcement, corrections, corporate loss prevention), law, public service, nonprofit management, and post-baccalaureate degree programs.
DEGREES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED
The Social Science Department offers courses to complete the following degrees and programs:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Major: Criminal Justice
Major: Interdisciplinary Contract (see requirements under “Special Programs” section in contract major)
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Area: Social Science
Certificate Program
Area: Homeland Security
B.A. Criminal Justice
The academic program in Criminal Justice is designed for career-seeking students. The purpose of the program is to produce critical thinkers who are knowledgeable, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and adapt to changing realities and circumstances. The program strives to familiarize students with facts, concepts, and knowledge affecting the development of public policy, justice, security, and public safety in America. Critical thinking skills, leadership, communication skills, the ability to integrate ideas, and a commitment to lifelong learning are primary outcomes for students in the Criminal Justice program. More important, the curriculum promotes ethical behavior in applying skills and academic knowledge to practical situations. It provides insights to social, political, legal, and historical issues that are essential in problem solving. It provides perspective that enables students to work effectively in diverse, changing circumstances affecting diverse, changing populations. With this understanding, students are encouraged to think creatively in exploring ways to promote public safety, prevent crime, and improve the state of the criminal justice system overall.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will:
- Describe the organizations, functions, policies, processes, and the legal environment that make up the criminal justice system in enforcing and adjudicating the law and administering justice
- Analyze and explain the social issues and processes that lead to and result from crime, including the behavioral causes and effects of crime
- Conduct research and interpret statistical data that may be used for planning, problem solving, decision making, and policy development
- Demonstrate an ability to work and communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Apply critical thinking skills in evaluating principles, systems, policies, practices, and situations involving criminal justice practitioners, including their professional and ethical disposition
What jobs are available for criminal justice graduates?
- Law enforcement officer
- Corrections officer
- Probation officer
- Federal agent
- Detective/private investigator
- Corporate security/loss prevention officer
- Emergency management/Homeland Security officer
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1. General University Course Requirements.......................................................................... 43-45 credits
Departmental Recommendations: SOC 101/201, POSC 101/201, HIST 204/205
2. Lower-division Core Requirements........................................................................................ 12 credits
CRMJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice.................................................................................. 3
CRMJ 200 Criminal Justice Organization and Administration......................................................... 3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology........................................................................................ 3
SOC 220 Applied Social Statistics........................................................................................... 3
(6 credits may be applied to both the GURCs and the major)
3. Upper-division Core Requirements........................................................................................ 42 credits
CRMJ 300 Criminology.............................................................................................................. 3
CRMJ 301 Criminal Law............................................................................................................ 3
POSC 311 The Judiciary............................................................................................................ 3
POSC 312 Legislative Process................................................................................................... 3
POSC 314 Civil Liberties............................................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 315 Survey of Law Enforcement........................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 325 Survey of Corrections................................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 401 Ethics in Criminal Justice.......................................................................................... 3
SOC 305 Culture Diversity and Social Justice............................................................................ 3
ENG 351W Technical and Report Writing..................................................................................... 3
BADM 315W Advanced Communication for Managers...................................................................... 3
PSY 420W Introduction to Abnormal Psychology.......................................................................... 3
CRMJ 490 Internship
Or..............................................................................................................................
CRMJ 390 Advanced Topic........................................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 499 Senior Capstone....................................................................................................... 3
4. Minimum of 6 CRMJ Electives.............................................................................................. 18 credits
CRMJ 310 Mediation and Conflict Resolution............................................................................... 3
CRMJ 320 Juvenile Justice........................................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 330 Criminal Gang Organizations..................................................................................... 3
CRMJ 335 Family Violence and Crime........................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 340 Community Corrections............................................................................................. 3
CRMJ 345 Criminal Investigation................................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 350 Correctional Counseling............................................................................................. 3
CRMJ 355 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems....................................................................... 3
CRMJ 360 Police Community Relations...................................................................................... 3
CRMJ 365 Police Personnel Administration................................................................................. 3
CRMJ 370 Survey of the Criminal Justice System........................................................................ 3
CRMJ 405 Technology in Criminal Justice................................................................................... 3
CRMJ 410 Special Topic Series
CRMJ 410A Narcotics and Illegal Drugs................................................................................ 3
CRMJ 410B Mass Murderers and Serial Killers...................................................................... 3
CRMJ 410C Organized Crime............................................................................................... 3
5. Electives 15-17 credits
The following electives are recommended:
POSC 101 Introduction to Political Science................................................................................. 3
POSC 201W U.S. Political Systems.............................................................................................. 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology........................................................................................... 3
SOC 201 Social Problems....................................................................................................... 3
HIS 204 Fundamentals of History of American People I............................................................. 3
HIS 205W Fundamentals of History of American People II............................................................ 3
Minimum total credits 126
COURSE GUIDE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE
|
FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester
|
CR
|
FRESHMAN YEAR
Second Semester
|
CR
|
|
COMM 105
|
Heritage Core
|
3
|
ENG 102
|
English Composition II
|
3
|
|
ENG 101
|
English Composition I
|
3
|
CPSC 101
|
Introcution to Computer Science
|
3
|
|
|
World Language
|
3
|
|
Fine Arts Elective (Art/Drama/Mus)
|
3
|
|
CRMJ 101
|
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
3
|
CRMJ 200
|
Criminal Justice Org. and Admin.
|
3
|
|
POSC
|
Intro. To Political Scinece
|
3
|
POSC 201W
|
U.S. Political Systems
|
3
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
15
|
|
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester
|
Cr
|
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Second Semester
|
Cr
|
|
|
Laboratory Science
|
4
|
|
Laboratory Science
|
4
|
|
SOC 101
|
Introduction to Sociology
|
3
|
SOC 201
|
Social Problems
|
3
|
|
SOC 220
|
Applied Social Statistics
|
3
|
PSY 101
|
Introduction to Psychology
|
3
|
|
HIS 101
|
World Civilization I
|
3
|
PHIL 210
|
Logic/Critical Thinking
|
3
|
|
HIS 204
|
Fundm. Of History of Amer. People I
|
3
|
|
GLOB HUM Elective (Engl 221/PHIL 310/REL 320)
|
3
|
|
|
Fine Arts Elective (Art/Drama/Mus)
|
3
|
HIS 205
|
Fundm. Of History of Amer. People II
|
3
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
19
|
|
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
|
Cr
|
JUNIOR YEAR
Second Semester
|
Cr
|
|
CRMJ 300
|
Criminology
|
3
|
CRMJ 301
|
Criminal Law
|
3
|
|
CRMJ 315
|
Survey of Law Enforcement
|
3
|
CRMJ 325
|
Survey of Corrections
|
3
|
|
POSC 311
|
The Judiciary
|
3
|
POSC 312
|
Legislative Process
|
3
|
|
PSY 420W
|
Intro. To Abnormal Psychology
|
3
|
POSC 314
|
Civil Liberties
|
3
|
|
BADM 315W
|
Advanced Communication for Managers
|
3
|
SOC 305
|
Social Just. And Diverse Populations
|
3
|
|
|
15
|
|
15
|
|
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
|
Cr
|
SENIOR YEAR
Second Semester
|
Cr
|
|
CRMJ 401
|
Ethics in Criminal Justice
|
3
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
CRMJ 490
|
Internship
|
3
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
ENG 351W
|
Technical and Report Writing
|
3
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
CRMJ Elective
|
3
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MinimumTotal: 128 credits
Note: This is a general sample and may change as needed. Courses in bold are part of the GENERAL UNIVERSITY COURSE REQUIREMENTS.
B.A. Interdisciplinary Contract
Students with unique interests may satisfy the requirements for a B.A. in Social Sciences through an interdisciplinary contract – a distinct program of course work customized by the student and approved by the chair of the Social Science Department, the Office of Academic Affairs, and an academic advisor. If students cannot find a major suited to their interests and aspirations for a career, they are encouraged to develop an interdisciplinary contract as early as possible. (For a general guide to an Interdisciplinary Contract Degree, see Special Programs, in this catalog.)
A.A. Social Science
Students completing the associate of arts degree may continue their program and obtain a baccalaureate degree or may begin their work career.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1. General University Course Requirements............................................................................... 45 credits
Departmental Recommendations: SOC 101/201, POSC 101/201, SOC 220, POSC 201, HIST 204, HIS 205
2. Social Science Courses.................................................................................................. 15-18 credits
Lower-division courses in Criminal Justice, Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology, with 15 credits at 200-level or above.
Minimum total credits 60
Certificate in Homeland Security
Since the advent of 9/11 and the “War on Terror,” criminal justice professionals and first responders have been seeking out educational programs that have a focus on this type of information. This certificate is designed to provide current and future criminal justice practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a professional career in the security of our country. Never in our nation’s history has there been a more urgent need for college-trained professionals to work in the field of homeland security and other defense areas. This certificate is offered online by Heritage University through OCICU. Transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted as part of this program.
1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
B.A. or B.S. from an accredited institution, minimum GPA of 2.5
2. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................. 18 credits
CRMJ 375 Introduction to Homeland Defense.............................................................................. 3
CRMJ 380 Terrorism................................................................................................................. 3
CRMJ 385 Legal Issues in Counter-terrorism............................................................................... 3
CRMJ 386 Exploitable Weaknesses in Terrorist Organizations...................................................... 3
CRMJ 405 Local Response to Terrorism..................................................................................... 3
POSC 315 Modern Middle East.................................................................................................. 3
Pre-law Student Information
College course work recommended for Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation
PHIL 410, PHIL 450
Other Recommended Courses
Most law schools do not require any prerequisite courses for admission. However, a broad liberal arts background is encouraged and expected. Writing and critical thinking skills are essential. Students are encouraged to take courses in composition, literature, public speaking, philosophy, logic, history, government, economics, business finance, or accounting. Some of these courses include ACCT 230/231, BADM 315, BADM 360, CRMJ 301, CRMJ 310, ECON 101/201, ENG 221, ENG 323, HIS 204/205, PHIL 310, POSC 201, POSC 311, POSC 312, POSC 314, SOC 201, SOC 305, SOC/SOWK 316, SOC/SOWK 317, SP 102, SOWK 306, SOWK 310 A, and SOWK 310 D.
For other specific requirements, refer to information published by the Law School Admission Council online at LSAC.org, which provides a link to the home page of each law school.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRMJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credits
Overview of crime and the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on the interrelationship among the police, the courts, and corrections. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 200 Criminal Justice Organization and Administration 3 credits
Analysis of organizational dynamics in criminal justice agencies. Topics include administrative issues, personnel management, decision-making processes, group interaction and conflict, and organizational cultures and subcultures. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 300 Criminology 3 credits
Study of the nature, causes, and consequences of crime, with emphasis on its sociological and psychological aspects as applied to criminal justice policy and practice. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101, SOC 101, PSY 101, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 301 Criminal Law 3 credits
Study of legal concepts, applications, processes, and procedures in criminal law, from arrest through post-conviction. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 310 Mediation and Conflict Resolution 3 credits
Study of the process of conflict resolution through mediation. Prerequisite: CRMJ 200, SOC 201, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 315 Survey of Law Enforcement 3 credits
Study of policing — civil and criminal law enforcement at national, state, and local levels. Topics include history of policing, the role of investigation, identification and apprehension, constraints under the rule of law, culture and careers of law enforcement officers, police community relations, accountability, technology, and change in the law enforcement sector. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 320 Juvenile Justice 3 credits
Study of the juvenile justice system, including an analysis of its history, structure, processes, and problems, as well as youth crime and violence issues. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101, SOC 201, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 325 Survey of Corrections 3 credits
Study of agencies and organizations involved with offender populations, and the role of correctional programs in accountability, punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 330 Criminal Gang Organizations 3 credits
Study of the formation, membership, and activities of street gangs. Social factors, public policies, and community-based solutions and strategies will be explored to prevent and respond to criminal gang activity. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101, SOC 201, permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 335 Family Violence and Crime 3 credits
Study of various forms of family violence, with emphasis on domestic violence, spousal abuse, and child abuse. Explores the different types of family violence, causes, social psychology of abusers, multicultural factors, criminal implications, intervention processes, and policies to address problem situations. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101, SOC 201, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 340 Community Corrections 3 credits
Study of community corrections and community-based correctional interventions as alternatives to incarceration. Prerequisite: CRMJ 325 (recommended) or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 345 Criminal Investigation 3 credits
Study of the investigative theory, processes, and techniques, with an emphasis on the investigation of common types of crime; sources of information; interviewing of witnesses and suspects; and crime scene processing, including the collection and proper handling of evidence. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 350 Correctional Counseling 3 credits
Study of theories and techniques on interviewing and counseling of clients in the correctional system. Prerequisite: CRMJ 325 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 355 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 3 credits
Comparative study of the U.S. criminal justice system and those of selected foreign countries. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 360 Police Community Relations 3 credits
Study of the issues regarding police interaction with the community, with an emphasis on promoting effective communication and positive collaborative relationships through problem solving and conflict management. Prerequisite: CRMJ 315 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 365 Police Personnel Administration 3 credits
Study of organizational structure and administration of police departments, personnel responsibilities, duties, management issues, and trends. Prerequisite: CRMJ 315 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 370 Survey of the Criminal Justice System 3 credits
Study of the organizations, functions, and general processes that make up the criminal justice system. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 405 Technology in Criminal Justice 3 credits
Study of computer-based information systems as applied to criminal justice. Programs for crime analysis and intelligence, including geographic information systems, are covered in this course. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 410 Special Topic Series
CRMJ 410A Narcotics and Illegal Drugs 3 credits
Study of basic pharmacological recognition aspects needed for law enforcement, parole, probation, and correctional staff. Issues on drug abuse are explored along with insights on the processes of pursuing and prosecuting drug cases. Undercover work, “sting” operations, “buy/bust,” search warrants, and, more important, informant recruitment and management are particularly stressed. Legal issues related to undercover operations and the management of a successful drug unit are explored. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 410B Mass Murderers and Serial Killers 3 credits
Study of notorious cases about mass murder and serial homicide, for the purpose of understanding criminal offenders, particularly in identifying red flags and sociopathic behavior exhibited in youth and adult offenders. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 410C Organized Crime 3 credits
Study of the history of organized criminal enterprises in the United States in a global context. The course takes an in-depth view of how organized crime grew from the late 19th century to the 20th century, with special emphasis on the Sicilian Mafia, the French Unione Corse, and the Black Hand in the United States. Topics also include the impact of public sector corruption as well as law enforcement tools and technology used in investigating major criminal enterprises. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 390 Advanced Topic 3-6 credits
Independent study of specialized subject matter in criminal justice. Topics vary depending on current interests and needs. May be repeated for credit with a new topic. Prerequisite: Permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 401 Ethics in Criminal Justice 3 credits
Exploration of ethical issues encountered by criminal justice practitioners in the police, court, and correctional systems. Prerequisite: CRMJ 200 or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 375 Introduction to Homeland Defense 3 credits
This class is designed to help students understand the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It provides a comprehensive overview of the department’s history, mission, organization, and programs designed to reduce America’s vulnerability to attack and quickly recover from disaster. Offered as an online course.
CRMJ 380 Terrorism 3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of international and domestic terrorism arising from either religious or secular roots. It will examine the historical and philosophical underpinnings of terrorism in general and identified terrorist organizations in particular. A special emphasis will be on the impact of weapons of mass destruction — e.g., nuclear/radiological, biological, and chemical means — on the changing face of terrorism throughout the world. Offered as an online course.
CRMJ 385 Legal Issues in Counter-terrorism 3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of legal issues attendant to international terrorism. In particular, students will examine the “War on Terror” and the tension between approaches based on criminal law enforcement versus those based on the military or war. A special emphasis will be placed on the interrelationship between United States law and international law and agreements. The course will address current efforts in counter-terrorism, with special emphasis on recent federal prosecutions for terrorist acts or aiding terrorist organizations. As a criminal justice course, this study will include historical and political information and current, relevant information on counter-terrorism objectives and methods. Offered as an online course.
CRMJ 386 Exploitable Weaknesses in Terrorist Organizations 3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of international and domestic terrorism arising from either religious or secular roots. It will examine the historical and philosophical underpinnings of terrorism in general and identified terrorist organizations in particular. The course will examine exploitable weaknesses of terrorists, terrorist typology, human factors as applied to terrorists, modus operandi of terrorists, conspiratorial association theorems, weaknesses of terrorist groups, and proactive measures in support of terrorist investigations. The course will address current efforts in counter-terrorism, with special emphasis on the federal and state responses. As a criminal justice course, this study will consist of a hybrid of historical and political information and current, relevant information on counter-terrorism objectives and methods. Offered as an online course.
CRMJ 405 Local Response to Terrorism 3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the need to plan for the possibility of a terrorist event on the local level. A terrorist event could take place that restricts or retards the state and federal governments’ responses to a local community. The course will give the student the tools needed to prepare a local agency for immediate response to an event in his or her community. The course will give an introduction to the National Incident Management System and will provide the student with the information necessary to ensure local government compliance with federal law. Offered as an online course.
CRMJ 490 Internship 1-6 credits
Through individually appropriate field experiences, students are given opportunities to apply knowledge gained from course work and to integrate theory and practice in professional situations. Prerequisite: Permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
CRMJ 499 Senior Capstone 3 credits
Student will demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and experiences gained through the program and skills in research, critical thinking, decision making, and integrated strategy and policy development. Prerequisite: Taken in the student’s final semester. Offered TBA.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
POSC 101 Introduction to Political Science 3 credits
Introduction to the field of political science and study of government. Emphasis on U.S. law, political parties, interest groups, political socialization, public opinion, governing theory, and practice. Offered fall semesters.
POSC 201W U.S. Political System 3 credits
Principles, organization, and functions of the U.S. political system. Covers current issues, including, but not limited to, diversity, economic and social welfare policy, and Native American governance and sovereignty. Prerequisite: ENG 101. Offered spring semesters.
POSC 311 The Judiciary 3 credits
Study of the structure and function of the U.S. court system. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101, POSC 101, POSC 201, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
POSC 312 Legislative Process 3 credits
Study of the nature, function, and development of law and its relationship to society. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101, POSC 101, POSC 201, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
POSC 313 Constitutional Law 3 credits
When persons are in conflict with each other, their government, or the law, they can go to the federal courts. The U.S. Supreme Court is the last step in deciding what laws mean and what laws are permitted by the U.S. Constitution. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of legal research, the interpretation of laws, and the application of constitutional principles through the rigorous study of Supreme Court cases. Offered TBA.
POSC 314 Civil Liberties 3 credits
Study of history and development of civil liberties as defined in the U.S. Constitution and applied in criminal justice and law enforcement. Prerequisite: CRMJ 101, POSC 101, POSC 201, or permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
POSC 315 Modern Middle East 3 credits
A study of the social, political, religious, and economic forces present in the modern Middle East, with emphasis on the period since World War I. Also covers the Arab-Israeli conflict and oil. Offered as an online course.
POSC 490 Internship 1-6 credits
Through individually appropriate field experiences, students are given an opportunity to apply knowledge gained from course work and to integrate theory and practice in professional situations. Prerequisite: Permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
POSC 495 Special Project 3 credits
An advanced course designed to permit qualified students to pursue an approved topic through independent study under the direction of a faculty member and to produce a specific outcome. Prerequisite: Permission of the program chair. Offered TBA.
SOCIOLOGY
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
Introduction to the field of sociology and its theories, methods, and concepts; survey of sub-disciplines; relevance to other disciplines; and ethical issues. Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters.
SOC 201 Social Problems 3 credits
Exploration, through theory and research, of how American society defines and reacts to social issues and public policy, considering such headings as the economy and society (unemployment, business, government, and labor), social inequality, wealth, poverty, race and gender, the family, the workplace, health, energy, environment quality, crime and justice, and national security. Prerequisites: ENG 101; SOC 101 or POSC 101. Offered spring semesters.
SOC 220 Applied Social Statistics 3 credits
Applications of statistics in the social sciences; probability and statistics in the social sciences; probability in statistical inference, and analysis of variance, regression analysis, and non-parametric procedures. Prerequisites: A pass (P) in MATH 096 Intermediate Algebra or appropriate score on placement exam and CPSC 101 or higher. Offered fall semesters.
SOC 305 Culture Diversity and Social Justice 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to have students explore cultural diversity and social justice. The course will provide the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge base related to difference, oppression, social justice, and empowerment of culturally diverse populations at risk. This foundation knowledge is necessary for social work practice in a multicultural society. Cross-listed as SOWK 306. Offered spring semesters.
SOC 312 Human Development in Society 3 credits
General systems theory is used as a framework for integrating human development and human behavior knowledge and theory pertaining to microsystems of society: individuals, families, and informal groups. Prerequisites: PSY 101; SOC 101; BIOL 111 or equivalent recommended. Cross-listed as SOWK 312. Offered fall semesters.
SOC 316 Social Policy I 3 credits
In-depth examination of the history of public welfare and the fields of social services practice as shaped by social welfare policies. Introduction to poverty and the nature of oppression. Prerequisites: SOC 101; ECON 101; POSC 201; HIS 204 or HIS 205W. Cross-listed as SOWK 316. Offered fall semesters.
SOC 317 Social Policy II 3 credits
In-depth examination of social welfare as a social institution: analysis of society’s structure and its relationship to meet social welfare needs, trends in social welfare, and social welfare policy analysis in relationship to social work. Taken concurrently with SOWK 313 and SOWK 487. Prerequisites: SOWK 316, limited to majors. Offered spring semesters.
SOC 430 Ethics in Practice 2 credits
Deals with issues of ethics for the entry-level generalist social work practitioner in a variety of practice settings. This course also meets requirements of RCW 79.24.310 for chemical dependency counselors. Prerequisite: SOWK 101 or permission of the program chair. Cross-listed as SOWK 430. Offered fall semesters.
SOC 440 Directed Readings in Law and Social Justice 3 credits
Reading-intensive course based on the special interests of students. Bibliographic abstracts are produced and shared with colleagues. Offered TBA.
SOC 460W Social Science Research Methods 3 credits
Basic research methodologies for the social sciences, including principles of qualitative and quantitative methodologies for collection and analysis of data. Development of research design. This course is the same as SOWK 459W. Prerequisites: SOC 220 or MATH 221; senior standing; permission of the program chair. Offered fall semesters.